HC Deb 18 July 1988 vol 137 cc493-4W
Mr. Andrew Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will give details of(a) the chemical warfare material transported across the United Kingdom for decontamination or destruction at Porton Down, (b) the transportation employed, (c) the routes used and ( d) the safety precautions taken to safeguard the public.

Mr. Sainsbury

The United Kingdom does not possess chemical weapons, but there are occasional discoveries of chemical warfare materials dating back as far as the two indicated that these arrangements might well enhance flight safety. Accordingly, the trial is continuing during the current year, with a few modifications, mainly to the boundaries of the specified sites. If this extension confirms the success of these arrangements, they might well be adopted on a permanent basis.

Mr. Kirkwood

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many air misses between hang gliders and military aircraft were reported in each year since 1979; and how many were in risk category A.

Mr. Freeman

The information requested is as follows:

Year Category A Others Total
1979 0 2 2
1980 0 0 0
1981 0 1 1
1982 0 0 0
1983 0 1 1
1984 0 5 5
1985 1 1 2
1986 2 7 9
1987 1 3 4

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